KALAMAZOO — "The Heisman of academics" is how Western Michigan University media relations director Mat Kanan described it.

There's no doubt that Broncos senior quarterback is in Heisman Trophy-like company with his latest award.

Tim Hiller has been named one of the 16 National Scholar-Athlete Award recipients, and is the first player in WMU program history to be a member of the National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Class.

The finalists were whittled down from 154 semifinalist from across all divisions of NCAA and NAIA football.

Hiller joins the likes of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Florida QB Tim Tebow, along with Kansas' Todd Reesing as the four quarterbacks on the list of 16.

He'll receive an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship and a trip to New York City in December for a banquet, when the William V. Campbell Trophy will be awarded (along with an additional $7,000 scholarship to the winner) — not so long after that other little trophy is handed out in NYC.

"I was kind of at a loss," Hiller said of hearing the news. "I'm very honored. It's very humbling. It's a testament first and foremost to my parents, to my teammates and coaches and the support staff who put me in a position to excel, not only on the field but in the classroom."

Hiller is already closing in on his master's degree.

"Maybe I'll get another master's degree or a PhD," Hiller said when asked what he'll do with the scholarship money.